Athletic Profile
Height: 6044
Weight: 249
40 Time: 4.70
Vertical: 32 1/2”
Broad Jump: 910
Shuttle: 4.44*
Relative Athletic Score: 7.66
* Indicates Recorded At Pro Day
Statistics
2022: 67 REC/ 809 YARDS / 9 TDs / 2.44 Y/RR
2021: 71 REC / 840 YARDS / 7 TDs / 1.99 Y/RR
Pros
Blocking
Dependable Hands
Versatile
High IQ Player
Route Runner vs Zone
Stem & Release Package
Power
Cons
Explosiveness
YAC Ability
Summary
Michael Mayer is a tough, versatile and dependable tight end who has been a staple on the offensive side of the ball over the past three years for the Fighting Irish. Mayer is largely lined up either in the slot or in-line but has the ability to split out wide and do some H-back work. A high IQ player, he is able to take on multiple assignments across a variety of schemes. Mayer is an excellent blocker, he has tremendous technique and footwork. Strong hands and quick feet allow him to stay engaged and mirror defenders for extended periods of time. He has the power to grapple with bigger defensive lineman, and when he gets locked on with smaller defenders he loves to finish. As a receiver he is not an overly explosive or dynamic option but he can still be a weapon. Mayer understands coverages and how to manipulate his leverage to get an extra step. His excellent release and stem package gives him the ability to get in favorable spots and use his size to wall off defenders. Mayer will be a quarterback's best friend at the next level due to his dependable hands and uncanny knack for finding the soft spot in zone defenses. He won’t wow anyone with the ball in his hands but he transitions to being a ball carrier very smoothly and can use his size to pick up extra yards. The recent trend of high pick TE’s have been freak athletes, which Mayer couldn’t be farther from. Mayer however, is scheme versatile, an outstanding blocker and an extremely effective receiver. His ability to step in Day 1 of his pro career as a starting caliber TE with no true weakness is rare for a rookie. He should hear his name called sometime on and can be expected to immediately upgrade most teams starting TE spot.
Grade: 6.57 - Mid to Late 1st Round Value (Potential Starter)
Games Watched: Cincinnati (2021), Toledo (2021), Purdue (2021), Oklahoma State (2021), Clemson (2022), Ohio State (2022)
Pro Comp: Jason Witten